Regarding: Page 38, Practical Ointment Recipes, first recipe on page: Lip Balm Repair
Comfrey is a traditional ingredient in healing balms, valued for its soothing and restorative properties. Along with these benefits, comfrey contains naturally occurring pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), compounds that can be harmful to the liver and other organs. While the risk of absorption through the skin is lower than with oral use, low risk is not no risk.
PAs are mostly water- or alcohol-soluble and are less likely to migrate into oils, such as those used in the balm recipe. However, they are not entirely absent in oil infusions, especially when using prolonged extraction times or when heat is applied during extraction.
To reduce exposure, we suggest the following safer options for the Lip Repair Balm:
A. Comfrey-free: Omit comfrey and use 1 part calendula + 1 part plantain. This preserves the soothing and wound-care properties of the balm while eliminating the risk of PA.
B. Substitute: Replace comfrey with 1 part marshmallow root (demulcent and soothing). Marshmallow pairs well with calendula and plantain, making it an excellent choice for chapped or irritated lips.
C. PA-free or low-PA comfrey: Use a verified PA-free or low-PA comfrey extract only if the supplier confirms that the preparation retains comfrey’s beneficial constituents (such as allantoin). Some PA-removal processes also reduce allantoin, which can diminish comfrey’s effectiveness; therefore, Options A or B are generally preferable for this ointment.
D. Leaves vs. roots: You may substitute comfrey leaves for roots in the recipe. Leaves generally contain lower PA levels, which may reduce risk, but there is still some potential for PA absorption.
General precautions:
- Use on intact skin/lips only (not on broken or abraded skin). Research indicates that when comfrey salves are applied externally to unbroken skin, PA absorption is minimal.
- Limit to short-term use (10 days or fewer).
- Discontinue if any irritation occurs.
- As always, those who are pregnant, nursing, have liver conditions, or take medications should consult a qualified professional and consider the non-comfrey options above.